Free Guitar Tuning

Standard tuning is the most common way to tune a six-string guitar. From the thickest string to the thinnest, the notes are E, A, D, G, B, and E. The low E string vibrates at 82.41 Hz and the high E string at 329.63 Hz. Nearly all guitar tabs, chord charts, and lessons assume your guitar is in standard tuning.

Start by getting one string in tune using a reference tone, like the ones on this page. Then use the 5th-fret method: press the 6th string (low E) at the 5th fret and match it to the open 5th string (A). Repeat this for each pair of strings. The only exception is between the G and B strings, where you press the 4th fret instead of the 5th.

You should tune your guitar every time you pick it up to play. Strings naturally lose tension over time due to temperature changes, humidity, and regular playing. New strings stretch more and need retuning several times during the first few days. A quick check before each session keeps your playing sounding clean.

BPM stands for beats per minute, the standard way to measure tempo. A BPM of 60 means one beat per second, while 120 BPM is twice as fast. Most pop songs fall between 80 and 140 BPM, though electronic music and metal often go much faster.

• Several factors cause a guitar to lose its tuning quickly. New strings that haven't fully stretched yet are the most common reason. Changes in temperature or humidity can expand or contract the wood and strings. Worn tuning pegs, an improperly cut nut, or aggressive strumming can also contribute. If the problem persists, a setup by a luthier can help.

A guitar tuner only detects the six standard notes (E, A, D, G, B, E) and tells you how close your string is to the nearest target note. A chromatic tuner detects all 12 notes in the musical scale, making it useful for alternate tunings or other instruments. Both work well for standard guitar tuning.

Yes. You can use this free online guitar tuner directly in your phone's browser. Just tap a string button to hear the reference pitch and tune your guitar by ear. No app download needed. For microphone-based tuning, most phones have a built-in mic sensitive enough to detect your guitar's pitch accurately.

The six strings in standard tuning correspond to these frequencies: Low E is 82.41 Hz, A is 110.00 Hz, D is 146.83 Hz, G is 196.00 Hz, B is 246.94 Hz, and High E is 329.63 Hz. These are based on A440 concert pitch, the universal tuning standard used by musicians worldwide.

Always tune up to the target note, not down. If your string is sharp (too high), first loosen it below the target pitch, then tighten it back up until you reach the correct note. Tuning up ensures the string settles firmly against the tuning peg and nut, which helps it stay in tune longer.